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Northeast Frontier Railway - Narrow Gauge |
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The Northeast Frontier Railway had just one passenger carrying railway, but since that comprised the Darjeeling Himalayan Railway, it was not to be left out of most visitors' itineraries. Rising from the plains at New Jalpaiguri (100m, 328ft) and Siliguri, the 88km line climbs to its peak at Ghum (2258m , 7407ft) after Kurseong before descending to Darjeeling (2076m, 6812ft). As a hill railway, the ruling gradient is a fearsome 1 in 22 as it follows the traditional Hill Cart Road. Over time there have variously been six zig-zags and five loops (spirals) although the lower two of the latter have been removed. The most famous loop is that at Bhatasia as on clear days it offers views of Kanchenjunga (8598m, 28209ft). The workshops are at Tindharia roughly half way and traditionally they were 'off limits' to enthusiasts. There have been sheds at New Japaiguri, Siliguri Junction, Tindharia, Kurseong and Darjeeling. The line remained all steam until the turn of the 21st century, principal services are now in the hands of diesels, steam surviving in use in 2015 on short tourist runs from Darjeeling, Kurseong and Siliguri. As a result many of the line's former steam locomotives are found scattered through the country as monuments. One, 778, was sold to the USA but is now in private ownership in the UK and appears on special occasions at various gala events. Four more were sold to Coal India at Tipong in Assam and will be covered separately. I would like to acknowledge the help given by several members of the Darjeeling Himalayan Railway Society in preparing this section. For more information on the DHRS, please visit their website, www.dhrs.org. David Charlesworth has made available his own map of the system which includes additional information. |
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